In 1970s Mississippi, a Black detective and his temporary partner are assigned to a case that shifts from murder to paranormal conspiracy with life-altering repercussions.

With shades of The X-Files and S. A. Cosby, There Used to Be People Here deftly explores race, queerness, and existing as other in a society that demonizes everything different.

PRAISE FOR

THERE USED TO BE PEOPLE HERE

“A taut, well-crafted debut! Each page crackles with tension. A great, must-read work!”
—Jason Mott, bestselling author of Hell of a Book

“As with the best of sf stories, Cole’s absorbing paranormal thriller uses an otherworldly event to shine a light on very real perils in our society, in this case the insidious poison of prejudice. A truly impressive, deeply moving first outing.”
—Booklist (starred review)

“At once a small-town mystery steeped in terrors both uncanny and distressingly human, and an exploration into otherness in the American south, Kennedy Cole’s powerful debut is as provocative as it is haunting, as touching as it is terrifying. There Used to Be People Here is an unforgettable novel of horror and history.”
—Nick Medina, author of Savage Lake

“Dark and tense from the first page, There Used to Be People Here is a fast-paced ride that’s brimming with atmosphere. Small-town vibes and otherworldly weirdness create layers of unease. Add a main character who faces one conflict after another, and the result is this highly memorable sci-fi horror story. Kennedy Cole’s thrilling debut kept me guessing until the very end.”
—Del Sandeen, author of These Walls Remember

“Cole has created a crackerjack hybrid of horror and whodunit, entertaining and shrewd about race, queerness, and UFOs.”
—Minnesota Star-Tribune

“An exciting new voice in speculative fiction, Kennedy Cole’s There Used to Be People Here is for anyone who knows what it means to keep your guard up and your head down in a small town, where anyone—and everyone—might be watching. A twisty, gritty, GTO-driving thrill ride that’s also full of heart, this book kept me guessing—and rooting for Sam and Harvey—until the very last page.”
—Melissa Faliveno, author of Hemlock

“A moody, atmospheric take on the first encounter thriller, with plenty of body horror thrown in (or perhaps, bursting out).”
—Crime Reads